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View of a walkway and benches on the U.S. Capitol Grounds.History & DiscoveriesTop 5 Spots to Enjoy Spring on the Capitol CampusSpring in Washington, D.C., is one of the most beautiful times to visit the nation's capital. Learn about five beautiful, and less known spots, to enjoy the warm weather near the U.S. Capitol.Read the Story

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        ExpertiseArchitectureElectricalEngineeringGardeningHistoric PreservationMasonryMechanicsMetal WorkPainting and PlasterPlumbingVisitor ServicesWoodcrafting
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        PlaceBartholdi Fountain and GardensBrumidi CorridorsCannon House Office BuildingCapitol DomeCapitol Power PlantCapitol RotundaCapitol Subway SystemCryptDirksen Senate Office BuildingFort MeadeLongworth House Office BuildingNational Statuary HallO'Neill House Office BuildingOld Senate ChamberOld Supreme Court ChamberOlmsted TerraceOutdoor GardensPackard CampusRussell Senate Office BuildingSmall House RotundaSummerhouseSupreme Court BuildingThomas Jefferson BuildingU.S. Botanic Garden ConservatoryU.S. Botanic Garden Production FacilityU.S. Capitol BuildingU.S. Capitol GroundsU.S. Capitol Visitor Center
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        ProjectCannon RenewalCapitol Building Paint Analysis and Plaster RepairsCapitol Exterior Preservation - Stone and MetalDome Restoration ProjectGrant Memorial ConservationHeritage Asset ConservationOlmsted Terrace PreservationRussell Exterior Envelope ProjectStone Preservation on the Capitol Campus
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      A skylight allows natural light to fill the hallway once occupied by a courtyard at the U.S. Capitol.

History & Discoveries

  Then & Now: U.S. Capitol Courtyards
By erin nelson |July 19, 2017
A look back at the transformation of the courtyards that once existed on the U.S. Capitol's West Front. Originally, they had provided natural light and ventilation to the basement but, as the need for more space materialized, they became meeting rooms, offices and connecting hallways.
    Sculpture of three people.

History & Discoveries

  Letters and Numbers Abound
By erin courtney |September 1, 2016
A variety of letters and numbers appear on buildings or in art work on Capitol Hill.
    The tombstone of Colonel Charles De Witt. Born 1727 - Died Aug. 27, 1787. Patriot, statesman and leader in the revolution. Voting to ratify the Declaration of Independence.

History & Discoveries

  Charles De Witt: Founding Farmer, A Life of Service
By franklin bradley |July 23, 2019
Starting in the 1650's, the De Witt family settled in and around Kingston, New York, and was prominent in the early history of Ulster County. Colonel Charles De Witt's career extended far beyond his home county, including being named as delegate to the Continental Congress.
    United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. Section of south wing, 1800s drawing by Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Retrieved from the Library of Congress.

History & Discoveries

  Jefferson Finds Capitol Inspiration in City of Light
By franklin bradley |April 3, 2019
Thomas Jefferson, inspired by skylights he saw in Paris, prevailed upon the Architect of the Capitol to include something similar in the U.S. Capitol's new chamber for the House of Representatives. However, all the skylights came to an untimely end.
    History & Discoveries

  From Concept to Creation: AOC's role in New Statues at the Capitol
By aoc curator |March 24, 2014
The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the care and preservation of the artwork in the U.S. Capitol, but our role extends even further. AOC Curator Barbara Wolanin details her involvement in evaluating and advising on new statues and busts before they even enter the Capitol.
    Mural of people.

History & Discoveries

  Capitol Discovery
By erin courtney |October 7, 2016
It's been more than 500 years since Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue. See how his 15th century journey was depicted by 19th century artists in art throughout the U.S. Capitol, including frescoes by Brumidi, a sandstone relief and the bronze the Columbus Doors by Randolph Rogers.
    Senate Park Fountain

History & Discoveries

  By the Numbers: Senate Fountain
By andrew dentamaro |April 12, 2017
One of the overlooked gems on Washington D.C.'s Capitol Hill, the Senate fountain, is nestled between Union Station and the U.S. Capitol, atop the Senate upper park. The hexagonal granite fountain operated for the first time in July 1932 and is designed with many unique features.
    James Madison Memorial Building

History & Discoveries

  Then & Now: Madison Building
By franklin bradley |April 5, 2017
A look back at the founding of the James Madison Memorial Building.
    A squirrel outside.

History & Discoveries

  Squirrels on Capitol Grounds
By aoc curator |April 11, 2013
When walking across the Capitol Grounds there is one critter that can consistently be seen out and about – the squirrel. When did squirrels first come to Washington, D.C. and how did they end up here? Archivist Andria Leo took a look through AOC’s historical records to investigate the history of the squirrel at the Capitol.
    Painting of people in a room.

History & Discoveries

  Presidents in Art
By aoc curator |February 27, 2012
Presidents don't sleep here, but they're honored in art!
    Desks with chairs and shelves with books.

History & Discoveries

  Remembering a Law Librarian Who Forgot Nothing
By franklin bradley |February 13, 2023
    Sculpture with three faces.

History & Discoveries

  Mothers in Marble (and Bronze)
By erin courtney |May 6, 2016
In honor of Mother's Day, explore more women who have played significant roles in the development of our nation and are featured in art at the U.S. Capitol.
    The lunette "Telegraph" by Brumidi in the now Lyndon B. Johnson Room, S-211.

History & Discoveries

  Plenty to Be Thankful For
By sarah davis |November 20, 2017
The cornucopia, a traditional symbol of the Thanksgiving holiday, appears in a variety of places in the U.S. Capitol including the Rotunda and Brumidi Corridors.
    Numbers found on the pediment.

History & Discoveries

  The $28,000,000 Question
By michele cohen |April 17, 2018
Solving the mystery of numbers inscribed on a block of the Senate pediment.
    History & Discoveries

  Cool Tools: A Tuning Fork?
By franklin bradley |March 10, 2016
Tuning forks are frequently used by musicians to adjust their instruments. So why does the Architect of the Capitol have one – and what makes it cool? Montgomery C. Meigs used this tuning fork during the 1850s Capitol Dome construction to evaluate its cast iron beams.
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